Akbar Safipour Afshar - Department of Biology, Neyshabur Branch, Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur, Iran.
Mahshid Meshkani - Pajuhesh Blvd., Neyshabur Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khorasan Razavi Province, Neyshabur, Iran.
Fatemeh Saeid Nematpour - Department of Biology, Neyshabur Branch, Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur, Iran.
Arezosadat Khafi - Pajuhesh Blvd., Neyshabur Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khorasan Razavi Province, Neyshabur, Iran.

Glycerrizha glabra is a medicinal plant endemic to Iran. So far, many studies on the chemical constituents and antibacterial effects of G. glabra have been conducted but a few reports have been provided about its cytotoxic and anticancer activities. In this study we have evaluated the effects of aqueous extract of G. glabra on the cell proliferation and the expression of ADA and ODC genes(Key enzymes are increased in breast cancer cells in contrast with normal cells) in breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB- 231) with respect to non-cancer lines (MCF-10A). The cell lines were subjected to increasing doses of the aqueous extract ranging from 10 to 200 μgml-1. Cell viability was quantified by MTT assay. Expression of ADA and ODC genes were analyzed by real time PCR. Significant dose-dependent inhibition of cancerous cell growth was observed. The calculated IC50 values for MBA-MD-231 and MCF-7 cells were 49.03 and 66.9 μgml-1, respectively. Results showed a marked decrease in the expression of ODC1 and ADA genes in cancer cell lines. At 50 μgml-1 concentration of G. glabra extract ODC1 mRNA expression were reduced 3.3 fold in MCF-7 cell line and 2.3 fold in MDA-MB-231 cell line compared to control. The result of our study highlights the potential influences of G. glabra extract on ODC1 and ADA genes expression in breast cancer cells and its relation to inhibition of cancer cell growth.

Glycerrizha glabra extract, Adenosine Deaminase, Anticancer, Cytotoxicity, Ornithine Decarboxylase